Refugee protection is for people whose circumstances meet the legal protection definitions. It is not a substitute for an ordinary study, work or permanent residence application. Eligibility to make a claim, previous claims, travel through other countries and official deadlines can all matter. If you fear returning to your country, seek a qualified protection professional or appropriate legal aid service. Keep the history accurate and preserve records without placing yourself or others at risk.
What to plan
- Identify suitable protection counsel and available legal aid information.
- Record official notices, claim history and urgent dates.
- Organize an accurate personal chronology for confidential advice.
- Locate appropriate interpretation, settlement or support services.
The process, step by step.
This is the typical sequence to discuss when agreeing your service. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and current instructions.
Find appropriate protection advice
Contact qualified protection counsel or a suitable legal aid service, identifying any immediate safety needs or official deadlines.
Review eligibility and history confidentially
Provide accurate travel, prior claim and immigration information so the professional can assess the applicable claim rules and restrictions.
Prepare the truthful protection record
Work within the agreed representation scope to organize personal history and existing evidence, avoiding invented narratives or unsafe evidence collection.
Follow the relevant claim instructions
Meet the actual filing, document and hearing requirements with qualified support; referral or claim submission does not itself establish protection status.
What to prepare
These are starting points for a discussion. The official checklist and your circumstances determine the documents required for an application.
- Identity and travel records available to you
- Any claim, border or immigration notices
- Previous protection decisions or application history
- Existing evidence relevant to the fear of return
Your questions, answered.
No. Protection claims concern the legal refugee or protection criteria. Discuss your actual circumstances and immigration history with qualified counsel.
No. Claim eligibility and the protection decision are separate steps. A referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board is not approval.
Check the official guidance
Research checked 13 October 2026. Program rules, intake, fees, and processing times can change. Use the current official instructions before making a decision.